Missouri Senate moves media off floor after tweets

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri senators have ordered journalists off the Senate floor after some lawmakers complained their private conversations had been tweeted.

The Senate voted 26-4 on Thursday to relocate reporters to a visitors' gallery overlooking the chamber in Jefferson City.

Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard says he initiated the move because some reporters had violated the Senate's trust in recent years by tweeting private discussions and negotiations they overheard on the Senate floor.

He didn't cite any specific examples.

Starting on March 29, journalists will no longer be allowed at their longtime 10-seat table near the Senate dais and the desks of several senators. Photographers will still be allowed on the Senate floor.

In the House, reporters generally use the press gallery overlooking the chamber.